School of Jan Steen (Dutch, 1626-1679)
Tavern Interior with Tussling Couple
Signed or inscribed "JSteen" on the edge of the stool l.r., with an unidentified red wax seal affixed to the reverse.
Oil on panel, 9 1/4 x 7 5/8 in. (23.5 x 29.3 cm), framed.
Condition: Panel with irregular surface to l.l. quadrant and vertical surface ridges, old retouch, fine craquelure.
Literature: C. Hofstede de Groot, Beschreibendes und kritisches Verzeichnis der Werke der hervorragendsten Holländischen Maler des XVII. Jahrhunderts, nach dem Muster von John Smith's catalogue raisonné: Jan Steen, 1907 (special edition with notes to the second edition included in typescript), no. 851C, as by Jan Steen; K. Braun, Alle tot nu toe bekende schilderijen van Jan Steen, 1980, under no. B247, as canvas mounted onto panel, by a follower of Jan Steen.
N.B. The painting at hand is documented by a black and white photograph in the files of the RKD (Nederlands Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis), providing the following provenance: "Sale The Hague (Kunstzaal Kleykamp), 10 June 1924, lot 35, (as by Jan Steen); hfl 1000, - to art dealer J. Hageraats, The Hague." Their records also suggest that the painting appears to be a version of a larger work by a follower of Jan Steen, and both works may actually be copies after an autograph work by Steen.
Estimate $2,000-3,000
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.